Anirudh and Anika sat together in Anirudh's cozy living room, enveloped by soft music playing in the background. The atmosphere was calm yet laden with unspoken emotions. Anirudh could discern the pain reflected in Anika's eyes, a testament to the turmoil she had endured.
"Anika, I want you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what," Anirudh said, breaking the silence that hung between them.
Anika nodded, her gaze fixed on a distant point. "Thank you, Anirudh. It means a lot."
They sat quietly for a while, each lost in their thoughts. Anirudh couldn't shake off the image of Anika's bruises and scars, a stark reminder of the violence she had endured. He knew he couldn't undo the past, but he wanted to help Anika heal from this trauma.
So, Anirudh led Anika to his bedroom to let her rest. She had been unable to sleep due to the recent traumatic events. He set up her favorite TV series for her and dimmed the lights to ensure her eyes didn't strain.
Afterward, he stepped out of the room and made a call to his driver to pick up Anika's mother from her home and bring her over. He also called Anika's mother to inform her of Anika's well-being and the recent incidents, reassuring her that Anika was safe and in good hands.
When Anirudh returned to the room, he saw Anika near the gate, crying quietly. To comfort her, he took her hand, led her to the floor, and began singing.
"I found a love, for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Oh, I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes, you're holding mine
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it
Darling, you look perfect tonight"
~ "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran ~
They got lost in each other while dancing, forgetting all the traumas and worries, just immersed in a romantic moment. Anirudh sang with all his heart, making the song feel like it was meant for them alone. At that moment, Anika's mother arrived, watching them with a smile from the sofa without disturbing them.
After the dance, seeing Anika smile, Anirudh felt incredibly happy, as if he had found something immensely precious. For him, Anika's smile was the most precious thing in the world.
Later, Anirudh asked Anika if she wanted coffee, and she agreed only if he made it. Anirudh jokingly bowed down to her and went out to prepare coffee.
As Anirudh sat with Anika's mother, they chatted about everything that had happened in London and how things were. Anika's mother then asked Anirudh if she could ask him a question.
"Of course, aunty, please go ahead," Anirudh replied.
"Do you have a girlfriend or love someone?" Anika's mother inquired.
Anirudh replied honestly, "I don't have a girlfriend, but I do love someone."
Hearing this, Anika's mother's expression changed slightly, and she seemed about to say something when Anirudh preempted her.
"If you won't hit me, I'll tell you whom I love the most, who is my inspiration for every song, my oxygen, whose image I see everywhere, in the sky, the ocean, even in the mirror. It's your daughter, mam," Anirudh confessed.
Anika's mother was overjoyed, telling him that Anika loved him equally but hadn't expressed it, as she feared he wouldn't accept her. Anirudh shared his own apprehensions about confessing his feelings, even recalling the last time they met a year ago, where he couldn't muster the courage to express himself, thinking Anika might not accept him as her boyfriend or partner.
Their conversation continued as Anirudh went to make coffee, marking a new beginning in their relationship journey.
Anirudh didn't give Anika's mom a chance to say anything and immediately went to her with a cup of coffee, sitting gracefully on one knee. He said , " Would you allow me to change your daughter's name from Miss Sinha to Mrs. Malhotra ?"
Anika's mom chuckled and replied with a yes, taking the coffee from Anirudh's hand. She then asked, "When are you planning to propose?"
Anirudh promptly answered, "Tomorrow."
He then took the coffee to Anika and found her already asleep. Anirudh couldn't help but admire her peaceful sleeping form, thinking, "She looks so cute and happy while sleeping. It's good to see her content." He smiled warmly and silently left the room, looking forward to tomorrow's proposal.
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A Song For Us
Roman d'amour"In 'A Song for Us,' follow the journey of Anika and Anirudh, childhood friends whose bond transcends friendship. As they navigate the complexities of growing up, their unspoken feelings and deep connection are tested by life's twists and turns. Set...
